When a support network comes together and stands behind their community, progress happens faster and with greater impact.
Whereas the Trust Network fuels collaboration within communities, the Support Network wraps the support around it. A Support Network can be made up of systems and organisations - like primary and secondary care, public health teams, councils, charities and local businesses - that offer services, funding, information, advice and training.
Given the ever-growing demand on services and ever-dwindling resources providing them, it's probably not over-dramatic to suggest that transforming the Support Network would benefit from a root-and-branch rethink - reimagining everything from policies and processes to culture, systems, services and even the assumptions that underpin them.
A more achievable goal, however, might be to see the Support Network as built on collective action and cooperation - simply encouraging services, organisations and community members to work better together. A community platform like Made Open's helps partners come together, focus on community needs and set aside competitive practices.
Why this matters
Because when a Support Network works well - when organisations align, share resources and act with communities rather than for them - it creates the conditions for lasting change. Barriers come down. Participation goes up. And people are no longer left waiting for support; they become part of delivering it.
Tools for change
Explore our tools for change – practical guides and templates to help you engage stakeholders more effectively.
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